Italy to join race to host Euro 2016

KATHMANDU, March 4: Italy has confirmed its interest in making a bid to host football´s European Championships in 2016, Deutsche Presse Agentur (DPA) reported on Wednesday. The Italian Football Association (Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio, or FIGC) will officially declare its interest to the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) by the deadline next Monday. [break]



Italy failed in its bid to host Euro 2012 when Poland and the Ukraine were chosen as joint hosts.



By April 1, the UEFA will issue its short-list of bidders. The dossier will have to be presented by Feb 15, 2010, and the Union will make its decision on May 27 of the same year.



Meanwhile, Wales and Scotland have abandoned their plans to compete for the event due to the current economic crisis. The costs of hosting the event is to increase as newer members will be inducted into the tournament. Twenty-four teams are set to take part in the event.

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